KAHUNA SAYS LICENSE WRONGLY LIFTED

Joseph Kirby and Robert ThomasCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Attorneys for the embattled Big Kahuna nightclub argued Friday that not only should village officials grant them a liquor license, but that the village improperly revoked the license of the club`s owners in the first place.

The latest charges came in the second day of hearings on the matter, which have taken on an element of courtroom spectacle, replete with shouting lawyers and a lengthy witness list.

Attorneys for Entertainment One, which manages the Big Kahuna, contended that village officials did not renew the liquor license of The Forum Inc., which was remodeled into the Big Kahuna and featured the same ownership, without a proper hearing, or reason.

''I question why we had to go to get a new license and what that process would be,'' said David Tripoli, vice president of Entertainment One, arguing that since ownership of the club did not change no new license was necessary. Club officials have maintained that the business would not survive without a liquor license.

In addition, the business` legal team composed of three lawyers, also hammered at the village`s contention that the business cannot be granted a license because it does not sell alcohol in an ancillary fashion as a restaurant, which is required under the village code.

Gene Gunn, executive vice president of Entertainment One, testified Thursday that 80 percent of the business` revenues are derived from alcohol.

Arlington Heights Village Attorney Jack Siegel cross-examined witnesses and sought to demonstrate that the Big Kahuna did not meet the village`s criteria for a restaurant.

The hearings are the latest in a controversy that has surrounded the business since it opened in April.

Village officials and residents complained that they were misled into believing it was going to be a family restaurant and not a location where dancing and drinking were the main focus after 9 p.m. Soon after, Mayor William Maki, who is also the village liquor commissioner, denied the club a license.

The Big Kahuna, however, has been able to continue serving alcoholic beverages during the appeal process because of rulings by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

The hearings will resume Saturday morning at 9 a.m. It is unknown when Maki will render a decision, which management of the Big Kahuna can appeal to the state liquor commission.